Trump Pardons California Porta-Potty CEO Convicted of Sewage Dumping Scheme
President Donald Trump pardoned Arie Eric De Jong III, the Southern California portable-toilet services owner convicted for illegally dumping raw sewage, in a clemency move that is already sparking political backlash.
The pardon granted by Trump clears De Jong of federal felony convictions tied to a 2017 scheme in which prosecutors said he improperly disposed of waste across multiple cities, saving his company millions in fees.
De Jong, who ran Diamond Environmental Services, pleaded guilty to illegally dumping sludge into municipal sewer systems in places including San Diego and San Marcos and was sentenced in 2018 to five months in federal prison, fines and supervised release.
The case drew attention not just for environmental harm but for the scale of the operation, with authorities saying illicit sewer hookups and hidden dumping saved the business significant operating costs.
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The pardon has prompted sharp reactions from California political figures. The Governor Newsom press office posted on X, “HOLY 💩 Another fraudster protected by Trump!”, highlighting the political dimensions of the clemency decision.
Legal experts note that a presidential pardon forgives the criminal conviction, but does not automatically cancel civil penalties or restitution orders tied to original sentences, leaving unanswered questions about financial liabilities. Critics say the decision raises concerns about the use of clemency powers for individuals with business and political connections.
Supporters of broad pardon powers argue the White House has constitutional authority to grant clemency, even in contentious cases.
As the aftermath unfolds, attention will turn to whether state or local agencies pursue civil enforcement actions or seek to enforce fines tied to the original judgment. Questions also linger about how this pardon fits into a broader pattern of controversial clemency decisions in the current administration.
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